November 24 / 18.15 Southwell (AW)

18.15

Standard

Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £5129.32
  • 1m 0f 13y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

1st
3 (12)
Ron O

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 712547 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
More likely than not to miss the break and will again need things to fall right from stall 12; is weighted to his best but hasn't had the breaks since returned to the AW and this four-time Tapeta winner is capable minus Ryan Sexton's 3lb claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

19:20 Redcar

Ron O

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Ray Craggs

Developed into a very useful handicapper for Ray Craggs in 2024, including a C&D win on good to firm; failed to scale the same heights for David Thompson in 2025 but has a reduced mark to work with now back under the care of his owner.

20/1

12th

7

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Ron O

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David Thompson

C&D winner off this mark last summer and better than the result (met trouble) when fifth to Sir Busker in this 12 months ago; shaped as if retaining all his ability when sixth on C&D return in June and there have been excuses for two lesser runs since, with Thirsk fifth last time coming over a 7f trip which is likely a little on the short side for him nowadays; no shock were he to go well.

25/1

1

(3)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Thirsk

Ron O

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: David Thompson

Won two in a row on turf last May/June (1m/1m2f) for Ray Craggs (who still owns him) and fair sixth on stable/seasonal debut at York (1m2f) in June; might not have been over those exertions when well held over 1m on AW at Newcastle 13 days later; effective over 7f.

33/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 830564 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Wins last year came in the spring/autumn on Polytrack, latterly off a 2lb lower mark (ran well over C&D off 5lb higher in January); better effort in first-time cheekpieces last time and the six-week break since looks a bonus for his in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(1)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

17:18 Nottingham

Court Of Session

9st 4lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Phil McEntee

All five wins have been on the AW over further than this, the latest at Wolverhampton in January; below his best in three starts since finishing third there in February and he's 0-15 on turf.

12/1

7th

8

(6)

6th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Court Of Session

9st 6lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Phil McEntee

Five-time AW winner who scored at Wolverhampton (7f) in January but he's been out of sorts on Tapeta in his last two runs; has plenty to prove again and all of his wins have been over longer trips.

25/1

OUR TIP

5/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 978891

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won for the hood first going on for John Gosden and ended a long losing run back in the aid last time (second start for this yard); will be 2lb higher than under the penalty from tomorrow and holds leading claims now back in form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Rufaa

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Now 2lb lower than when keeping on well for close second behind course specialist in quite valuable Brighton Mile this summer, but recent Tapeta form has been underwhelming and he remains without a win since 2023.

10/1

1

(9)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Rufaa

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Now 2lb lower than when keeping on well for close second behind course specialist in quite valuable Brighton Mile this summer, but recent Tapeta form has been underwhelming and he remains without a win since 2023.

10/1

7

(5)

3rd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Al Rufaa

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Patchy record this year but he is on the same mark as when a close second in a competitive race at Brighton in August; each-way shout.

10/1

Form: 772519 C

Last run: 160 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Does most racing now over 7f and is well suited by a strong pace over that trip, as when winning three times here last winter, latterly off a 4lb lower mark; there's nothing to suggest he's best caught fresh, so he has a bit to overcome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:50 Redcar

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Veteran who won over 7f at Southwell in January but has been rather below his best since; equally effective on turf and has won over 1m on fast ground; others look better handicapped.

16/1

8th

4

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Seven of his 12 wins have been here (five over this trip); has never won off a mark this high however and most likely needs to drop a few pounds.

20/1

8th

3

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Eligible

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

No signs of age dimming his enthusiasm, completing a December/January hat-trick (second leg over 1m here); a slow start didn't help when sixth of 12 at Southwell last time and he can be treated as if still in form.

14/1

20/1

Form: 321107

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Back up in the weights following two turf wins for David O'Meara earlier this autumn; well held on his debut for this yard at Newcastle a fortnight ago and goes beyond 7f for the first time this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

26th Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

Kalganov

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Michael Dods

Losing run up to 18 and entitled to have run better than he did at Ayr last time (7f; handles soft); had been running quite well, though, and cheekpieces now replace a visor.

6/1

4

(6)

6th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Kalganov

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Losing run is mounting up; however, has proved consistent in the last two months and latest effort can be marked up (met traffic issues); defied a much higher mark over C&D in 2023 and enters the reckoning.

5/1

Form: 501232 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Useful in his younger days for Marcus Tregoning but has regressed this year; has found his level again, though, and is 6lb better off with Al Rufaa than when chasing him home last Friday, which entitles him to close the gap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(8)

8th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Power Of Darkness

9st 9lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Charlie Fellowes

prominent

6/1

6th

9

(3)

24th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Power Of Darkness

9st 3lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Charlie Fellowes

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

2nd

3

(9)

17th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Power Of Darkness

9st 10lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Charlie Fellowes

All six wins on turf but running well on AW lately and probably did well to last for as long as he did when third of 12 at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) ten days ago; races off the same mark and should go well again.

6/1

Form: 455117 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
In good form this autumn and will be happier back down in trip but has never won off a mark this high; will need a career-best effort at the age of seven in better company than he's used to facing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(15)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

14:10 Beverley

Light Up Our Stars

10st 8lb

J: Mr Frederick Tett

T: Scott Dixon

Multiple winner who is running well and went down narrowly over the extended 1m here two months ago; thereabouts.

9/2

6

(2)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:00 Beverley

Light Up Our Stars

9st 4lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

In a good run of form right now and finished much the best over 1m at Yarmouth last week (under Taryn Langley); clear claims off 3lb higher.

9/4

Form: 731679 C

Last run: 85 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Picked up from Mick Appleby after winning a turf seller in the summer; boasts a solid course record but whether he's still up to winning off this mark, back from three months off, is the question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(4)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:25 Newcastle (AW)

Alexander James

9st 0lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Michael Herrington

in touch with leaders, in rear after 2f

20/1

8th

1

(8)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alexander James

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

dwelt start

6/1

8th

1

(8)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alexander James

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

dwelt start

6/1

9th
12 (8)
Kaaranah

8/1

Form: 006881 D

Last run: 67 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
First win since his 3yo days in Ireland when going in off 6lb lower at Kempton two months ago (off the back of a similar break); this is stronger and he'll need to improve on previous Tapeta efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

(13)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Kaaranah

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: John Butler

Took advantage of a reduced mark when scoring at Wolverhampton (9.4f; first-time cheekpieces) last month and he followed up with a dominant display on his return visit two weeks later; 7lb higher here but he remains well handicapped on his old form including a win over C&D; key player.

11/4

1st

4

(4)

21st Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kaaranah

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: John Butler

Caught the eye on penultimate start; justified market support over C&D subsequently (in newly applied cheekpieces), that his first win since September 2023; a 4lb rise looks fair, so he's entitled to be on the premises assuming the headgear continues to have the desired effect.

2/1

1st

6

(6)

6th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kaaranah

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: John Butler

No win since September 2023 (1m, Kempton; from 9lb higher); caught the eye making late headway (sixth; 16-1) over 8.5f here seven weeks ago; interesting to see if added cheekpieces can instigate a revival; market helpful.

8/1

Form: 003-89

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Only seen twice this season, again finishing well held back from six months off at Chelmsford a fortnight ago; is entitled to have come on for that but needs a deal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

13

(10)

1st Aug 2024

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

17:40 Galway

True Statesman

9st 12lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Won twice at two for the Johnstons in 2022; winless since and hard to fancy on recent efforts (cheekpieces back on for visor here).

20/1

8th

8

(6)

19th Jul 2024

Good

1m 2f 140y

18:52 Down Royal

True Statesman

9st 4lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened

8/1

11th

4

(9)

12th Jul 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:25 Dundalk (AW)

True Statesman

9st 11lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Won twice at two for the Johnstons; winless since and has become hard to predict; last month's close fourth at Leopardstown gives him a chance.

10/1

50/1

Form: 125750 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Has never been the most consistent but is 2-3 round here and back around his last successful mark; he was in no form prior to a short break, though, and is arguably happier over 7f these days (can take a grip).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Cliffcake

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Roy Bowring

Five wins at Southwell but didn't run much of a race there last time and it's a long time since he was successful on turf; others appeal more.

20/1

2

(11)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Cliffcake

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Roy Bowring

Five-time course winner at 7f and 6f who has run well at Doncaster on his last two starts, most recently when fourth (beaten a length) 19 days ago; just 1lb higher than his win here in February and has claims.

11/2

4th

8

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:07 Doncaster

Cliffcake

9st 3lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Roy Bowring

Has a patchy profile but he's a prolific winner who bounced back with a fair fifth over C&D (good) three weeks ago; has possibilities if he can back that up and last success was off a similar mark.

10/1

Form: 135030 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Three-time Newcastle winner who's landed four of his five victories in the autumn; little room for manoeuvre off this mark and again goes without headgear having finished well held back from a summer break a fortnight ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

16:42 Wexford

Plastic Paddy

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Seven-time AW winner in Britain for Michael Appleby; no success since 2024, and Flat mark has dropped to a lowly 42; jumped badly and pulled up on his hurdling debut at Punchestown two weeks ago.

100/1

5

13th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:50 Punchestown

Plastic Paddy

11st 12lb

J: Cian Cullinan

T: Tom McGuinness

Seven-time AW winner in Britain for Michael Appleby; no wins since 2024 and Flat mark has dropped to a basement level; slim hopes rest on hurdles rejuvenating him.

40/1

13th

11

(5)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Plastic Paddy

9st 8lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Tom McGuinness

Seven AW wins in the UK; however, has been poor on turf for this yard and needs a major revival.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £30.70
Straight Forecast £24.13
Tricast £50.77
Trifecta £86.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Al Rufaa

POSTDATA:

Court Of Session

Daily Mirror:

Power Of Darkness

The Guardian:

Kaaranah

NEWMARKET:

Court Of Session

RP RATINGS:

Al Rufaa

TOPSPEED:

Al Rufaa

LAMBOURN:

Al Rufaa

The Times:

Al Rufaa

Telegraph:

Al Rufaa

Daily Mail:

Al Rufaa

D Express:

Al Rufaa

The Sun:

Al Rufaa

The Star:

Al Rufaa

Daily Record:

Power Of Darkness